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2013 NFL Draft Player Profile: Keenan Allen, California wide receiver

California New Look

This image released by the University of California at Berkeley athletic department shows their new logo of the Golden Bear. On Wednesday April 10, 2013 the athletic department introduced Cal's new uniforms in football, volleyball and basketball designed by Nike, as well as a new look for the Golden Bear. (AP Photo/University of California at Berkeley)

Keenan Allen looked like he was primed to be an early first-round pick after his breakout sophomore campaign in which he had 1343 receiving yards and six touchdowns. However, his numbers took a bit of a dip during his junior season, which was due in large part to an injury he suffered during the regular season. That injury still affected him during the off season and it might be a factor in where he is selected. Despite all that, he is still highly regarded as a potential first-round talent.

Overview of skills:

Despite missing Cal's final three games due to an injury he suffered against Utah, Allen was able to put up respectable numbers including six touchdowns and 737 receiving yards. He finished his three-year career with the Golden Bears' as their all-time leader in receptions (205), third in receiving yards (2,570) and seventh in touchdowns (17).

Allen was still injured at the Combine, so he could not participate in the events. He gave the 40-yard dash a go at his pro day, but his numbers were less than stellar, as he ran a 4.71 and a 4.75.

What people are saying:

One major concern for teams seems to be the health of Allen's knee following his season-ending injury against Utah. He also re-injured that knee during training during the off season. As previously mentioned, he was unable to run the 40 at the Combine as a result and when he did at his pro day, his times were worrisome for many teams.

With that being said, Allen does have his fair share of strengths according to NFL.com.

"Long-legged, reliable No. 1 receiver prospect. Runs solid slants, crossers, speed outs and vertical routes. Good height to win jump balls downfield, will attack the ball in the air with his hands and has good ball skills overall. Lines up in the slot regularly, can get off press with a quick shake at the line and uses his frame to block out smaller corners. Eats up ground quickly on his vertical stems."

NFL.com also points out that he is an agile receiver who makes defenders miss and that he has good hip flexibility.

As for his weaknesses, NFL.com says that his speed is not of the elite category when he is running down the sideline and that he has occasional drops, which may be an issue for some teams.

Projected draft position:

NFL.com gave Allen an overall rating of 86.3, which means he is projected to be a late first-round selection. CBS Sports has him as the 35th-best player available and the fourth-best receiver, which projects him as a late first rounder or an early second rounder.

Three of CBS' Draft experts have Allen going to the Texans with the No. 27 pick, but one does have the Patriots selecting him with the No. 29 pick. If the Texans, who are widely expected to go with a receiver, don't pick Allen then there is a good chance he will still be available when the Patriots make their selection in the first round. And if the Patriots choose to go with a receiver, Allen may be their guy.